Just as we were being drowned out by a wave of romantic comedies, along comes a wartime adventure film that blazes along like a torpedo with the name of Roberto Benigni. This is an adrenaline gulping guy movie in the great tradition of guy movies. Where Das Boot focused more on everyday life on a submarine during WWII, U-571 deals strictly with the aspect of battle. While it doesn’t have the complexities and rich plots of The Hunt for Red October or Crimson Tide, it’s still a helluva fun ride.

A group of Naval officers are assigned to pose as a Nazi submarine in order to capture an enigma code machine capable of transmitting messages that the Allies can’t understand. The real German sub has been severely damaged, and located, thanks to a message interception by our side. So the race is on. Our ships X-O, Lt. Andrew Tyler (Matthew McConaughey) has just been turned down commission for his own boat. His longtime Captain, Dahlgren (Bill Paxton) doesn’t think he’s ready and the sub’s Chief, Kough (Harvey Keitel) has his own doubts. Also on board are Tyler’s good friend Lt. Emmett (Jon Bon Jovi), a pair of Naval Intelligence officers (Jake Weber and David Keith), half-German radio operator Wentz (Jack Noseworthy), and, naturally, the cook (T.C. Carson). Other characters get cool wartime names like Trigger and Tank and all of them are basically an extension of the powers of their vessel; cogs in the wheel trying to win their battle so we can win the war.

Giving away the twists and turns of what happens during their rendezvous is something the trailers have had no remorse in showing, but I will tread water carefully here as to not be the one the spoils the party. Our officers aren’t skilled in one-on-one combat which will be necessary to infiltrate the German U-boat, so they’re given a crash course (off screen) in weapons that doesn’t boost their confidence much. Things don’t go as smoothly as one might hope and soon we’re enveloped in a rapid-fire cat-and-mouse game trying to play catch-up along with our heroes. Action happens so fast (as it would it combat) that sometimes we’re not sure who has died and who is still alive to save the day. (Some frames were apparently trimmed to secure a PG-13 rating.) But U-571 never lets up, asking its audience to keep up along with it, which shouldn’t be a problem (especially for the men) as the action comes fast and furious and LOUD. This is the first film of the new century that will certainly be nominated in the Best Sound category, begging one to make this an experience on the big screen.

U-571 is in no way a perfect film. Confusion over the dead will frustrate many. History is skewed to make it more patriotic. None of the characters are particularly well-drawn and that works alright here as this is a group of men working as one to accomplish their mission. We’ve seen enough submarine movies to know who is who and what all their stations are. The only real character development comes from a recurring theme of a leader having to sacrifice his men in the face of duty like pieces on a chess board. Both Paxton and Keitel give good speeches to McConaughey about the responsibilities he’ll have to face if he ever wants to be in charge. But this film isn’t about speeches and long pauses. It does have its share of uncomfortable silences to be sure, but this is a story about battle, nerves, suspense and giant explosions. Everything a growing boy needs.

Jonathan Mostow, in only his second film, has proven himself worthy of being on the frontline of A-list action directors. Breakdown remains one of the best and purest of thrillers in recent years and U-571 finds itself a place on that list as well. It is another project that is a throwback to old school adventure films that enphasized action over character and pace over plot. It doesn’t ask you to work overtime while watching it, but it delivers because its in your face, places you inside that submarine as one of the crew and keeps you glued to your chair.